Chinese universities told to improve policies to tackle sexual harassment
- Latest directive from education ministry follows series of allegations prompted by global #MeToo movement
- Activists have previously complained that complaints have been silenced or allegations swept under the carpet
China’s education ministry has urged universities to improve the way they handle allegations of sexual harassment, such as special committees to tackle the problem, according to state media reports.
Since the #MeToo feminist movement gained global momentum, several high-profile cases of sexual harassment and assault have come to light in China.
The Ministry of Education acknowledged these cases of sexual harassment have “damaged the reputation of higher education institutions and the education system”, as well as reflecting “insufficient awareness”, China Youth Daily reported on Wednesday.
“At the moment, some higher education institutions have not set up specialist sexual harassment prevention committees,” it said.
“We will work with local education authorities to … improve mechanisms for sexual harassment prevention.”